AS Eve Saha has alluded to, the 2024 ‘American Stakes’ will be remembered as much for those horses who missed the race as those who lined up in the sometimes chaotic turning start.

The long-striding Etonnant pulled out last week while the Swedish horse San Moteur has injured a splint bone.

Idao de Tillard is trained by the Duvaldestins, French trotting royalty. He has won eight of his last nine races and many feel the race is his to lose. He will be no bigger than 5/2 in an 18 runner field.

Ampia Mede SM and Gu d’Heripre (see accompanying article) have both strong form on their cards. Cokstile will represent Italy. Joviality is Swedish-owned and traces back to the stallion Sam Williams. The Sam Williams family also gave us Jousko Williams who stood in Dublin in the late 1960s. Vivid Wise As, another Italiian runner, already has an International Trot (New York) on his CV. Hail Mary clocked a 1.57 mile rate for her Swedish handler Daniel Reden.

Aetos Kronos is an intriguing late entry for the well-travelled American trainer Jerry Riordan. The eight-year-old picked up an unusual paralysis of a nostril after a routine operation but is reported to be back to full health. The trainer’s father was from Mayo.

Hooker Berry is the defending champion. The darling of the Vincennes crowd, Jean Michel Bazire, has handed the drive to his son, Nicolas.

Ace trainer Jean Michel Bazire reckons the 2.7 km test against the best in Europe would be too tough for a mere five-year-old like Jushua Tree. Bono and The Edge would probably be flattered that a leading horse is named after an album, even though it’s misspelt.

THE formal link between the Irish Harness Racing Association and Le TROT of France has only grown stronger in the past decade with the Paris-based organisation full of praise for the way that Ireland have grasped the Trotteur Français breed.

On a day-to-day basis, Irish horsemen now follow the racing at Vincennes, Cagnes-sur-Mer and Argentan. Offspring from Kiwi, Armstrong Jet, Meaulnes de Corta, and even a son of Ready Cash, have graced Irish tracks.

Teams of both full licence and apprentice drivers have represented Ireland in Normandy, while the unflappable Franck Ouvrie, Stephane Meunier and Charly Mottier have lined out for ‘Les Bleus’ on Irish soil.

We asked a few Irish trotting figures to name the winner of the Prix d’Amérique 2024.

Jonathan Nixon, owner and trainer: “Hooker Berry (2023 winner) for the double.”

Sean Kane, leading driver of French Trotters in Ireland:“Idao de Tillard – the use of a head pole has improved him no end. Also Astreos Kronos, his trainer Jerry Riordan is no mug.”

John Roche, owner and pundit: “Hail Mary as we all need one now and then.”

Billy Roche, trainer and driver: “Idao de Tillard seems to be the up and coming horse. Ampia Mede SM has Franck Nivard in the bike, a big plus.”

Oisin Quill, driver: (Tipped the winner in 2023). “I’ll stick with Hooker Berry. Bazire will be up near the front.”

Adam Corey, fourth season driver: “Vivid Wise As has won the most prize money of all the horses. He is very steady and the large bends will suit him. I really think he will be placed.”

And finally, I personally reckon that there is nothing between Idao de Tillard and Ampia Mede SM on their individual best times. Franck Nivard (drives Ampia Mede SM) has the ringcraft for the big occasion and therefore will pay for my meal in the unusually named Hippopotamus Restaurant.

THE Prix d’Amérique was named in honour of the American forces who helped France in World War 1.

Irish-born Charlie Mills trained three winners in the post-war years. Delmonica Hanover, trained by Delvin Miller, became the first American-trained winner in 1974 (Miller fell victim of a pickpocket in the post-race celebrations).

Ourasi (1986 to 1990) is the only horse to have won four times. He was a lazy type and earned the nickname ‘Le Roi Fainéant’ (The Lazy King).

Oyonnax in 2010 is the longest priced winner at 173/1.

Jean René Gougeon drove the winner eight times. In recent years, the Swede Bjorn Goop and the French drivers Franck Nivard and Jean Michel Bazire have dominated.

The race will be broadcast in 36 countries. 30,000 people will be in attendance.

Parachutist

An opening ceremony worthy of any sporting event will precede the main race. In recent years the trophy has been delivered via parachutist with of course a video link. The band of The Republican Guard put on a ridden display set to music.

The race ranks as one of the great harness races of the world although The Little Brown Jug in Ohio, the Elitlopp in Sweden and the Inter Dominion Championship in Australasia all have their claims.

The actual race goes to post at 3.20 pm Irish time on Sunday. Darren Owen is the official English language commentator. The French channel Equidia will definitely broadcast as will the website Le TROT live (in French). Sky Sports Racing may show a recording but the jumps from Doncaster and Fontwell will have priority.

At time of going to press Paddy Power, Bet 365 and Betfair had priced up the field.